Seizure of 8.2 Tonnes of Illegally Imported Pangasius Fish

On the 10th of April, a significant consignment of Pangasius fish, commonly referred to as Basa, was seized in Crève-Coeur. This substantial haul, weighing an alarming 8,226 kilograms, was the property of the importing company Ocean Treasure Ltd. It was intercepted due to the glaring absence of an import permit and a health certificate, raising immediate concerns over public safety.

The operation was executed by the Fisheries Protection unit of the Import-Export Unit at the Seafood Hub, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Fisheries, and Marine Affairs.

This particular species has been classified as prohibited for importation into Mauritius, primarily due to its dangerously high levels of mercury and faecal coliforms, a direct consequence of the farming practices employed.

The ill-fated cargo was destined to be processed locally into fish balls for the Mauritian market.

However, the lack of requisite regulatory documentation, coupled with the significant health risks associated with consuming this species, prompted swift action from the relevant authorities to prevent any potential distribution.

An investigation is currently underway to ascertain accountability and to determine whether other similar consignments may have infiltrated the local market, raising further alarm bells about the integrity of food safety standards in the region.

Source: l”Express